Dodgers vs. Rays lineups: Austin Barnes to start in Game 6 of World Series

For the first time this postseason, with a chance to win their first championship in 32 years, the Dodgers will have Austin Barnes start at catcher for a starting pitcher not named Clayton Kershaw or Walker Buehler in Game 6 of the World Series on Tuesday.

Barnes will catch Tony Gonsolin over Will Smith, who will start at designated hitter against the Tampa Bay Rays. It will be Barnes’ fourth start behind the plate this series and eighth in these playoffs.

The numbers say Barnes is a better pitch framer than Smith — and one of the best in baseball. He is also considered the better game caller. Barnes hasn’t been an offensive liability, either; he’s seven for 22 with a home run and three walks in the postseason.

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Oct. 26, 2020

Smith, who has been the recipient of bad luck on hard-hit balls this postseason, is 13 for 66 (.197) with two home runs, three doubles, 23 strikeouts and six walks in 17 games. Five of his came in Game 3 of the National League Division Series against the San Diego Padres.

Since a left-hander, Blake Snell, will start for the Rays, the Dodgers will have AJ Pollock start in left field over Joc Pederson. Chris Taylor, not Kiké Hernández, will start at second base.

Gonsolin, who wasn’t on the Dodgers’ opening day roster, will make his 17th career start opposite Snell. It’ll be his third start and fourth appearance in the playoffs.

DODGERS LINEUP
Mookie Betts RF
Corey Seager SS
Justin Turner 3B
Max Muncy 1B
Will Smith DH
Cody Bellinger CF
Chris Taylor 2B
AJ Pollock LF
Austin Barnes C

Tony Gonsolin RHP

RAYS LINEUP
Ji-man Choi 1B
Randy Arozarena LF
Austin Meadows DH
Brandon Lowe 2B
Manuel Margot RF
Joey Wendle 3B
Willy Adames SS
Kevin Kiermaier CF
Mike Zunino C

Blake Snell LHP